The Summer That Wasn't on Instagram

 I didn't go to Greece this summer. But I did make it to target. 3 times. In 24 hours. My summer wasn't white linen and tanning by the sea. It was spilled sunscreen in the backseat, a half eaten popsicle stuck to my summer work, and concealer spills multiplying on my vanity. I didn't post at all. Not because I didn't want to share, but because I had nothing to tell. A calendar full of naps, cancelled summer camps, surprise facetimes, and one memorable shopping spree that emptied my bank account. What's a good caption for that post? Somewhere between chasing sunlight and an empty inbox, I started to notice something. No one ever talks about the other summer. The messy one. The one that isnt sand and golden hour pictures, but an endless act between school brain and summer brain. There's this hidden expectation that summer should be a chance to travel the world and do everything you wanted. But when its not? Guilt shows up to EVERYTHING. But honestly? The summer that doesn't get posted is still real. Still worth sharing. 

Here's what mine looked like: 

• I went to the gym without my airpods and realized I missed the sound of my thoughts

• I reread a sticky note I wrote in May telling me that "pause is productive" and believed it for 2 whole days

• I stayed up all night doing random projects, and for once, didn't stress about my lack of time the next day

• I gave myself permission to not use every hour of sunlight productively

• I cried for 30 minutes in the car and didn't label it as a failure of time management

NONE of these moments are camera ready, but maybe that is the point. 

So here's to the summer that wasnt a highlight reel. Here's to the sanity saved by the small things. Here's to all of us that clock out mentally from time to time. Because the grass isn't always as green as it may seem on the other side. 

Welcome to Sticky Notes and Sanity!

Messy minds. Mini wins. No filters. 

See you soon!